Japan to Release Fukushima Wastewater from Ruined Nuclear Plant

Japan is set to release over 1 million tonnes of wastewater from the damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant starting Thursday, despite opposition from fishing communities, China, and some scientists. The water, stored at the site, contains tritium, a radioactive substance that cannot be removed by the facility's filtration technology. The decision has caused controversy due to concerns about its impact on food safety and the environment. While the UN's nuclear watchdog approved the discharge, South Korea, China, and Hong Kong have expressed opposition or threatened restrictions. Greenpeace has criticized the filtration process, warning of the dispersion of a significant amount of radioactive material into the sea. The Japanese government has allocated funds for compensation and reassured fishing communities, but concerns about reputational damage persist.